Mafra: Day Trips and Tours from Lisbon

Day trips to Mafra from Lisbon are an ever-popular excursion, due to the city’s close proximity and the splendid Mafra National Palace.

The opulent royal residence — built by King John V in 1717 — essentially put Mafra on the map, as before its construction, the village housed a paltry 200 permanent residents. Today, much has changed and visitors to this royal city may enjoy its lush parks, stately monuments and chic cafes.

Up next, you can read more about Mafra, one of the most exciting day trips from Lisbon.

Where is Mafra? How do I get there from Lisbon?

Mafra is located northwest of the Portuguese capital, technically still falling within the boundaries of the Greater Lisbon region.

From Lisbon to Mafra by car

If you have the means you can quite easily journey from Lisbon to Mafra by car. Simply leave Lisbon via the A8, heading north toward Venda do Pinheiro. Here, change onto the A21 to Mafra. The entire drive is 40 kilometers long and will take 40 minutes to complete.

From Lisbon to Mafra by bus

To travel to Mafra from Lisbon by bus, head to the Campo Grande and board the 2802 bus which travels directly to Mafra.

Guided tour to Mafra from Lisbon

If you don’t want to worry about car rentals, or go through the hassle of waiting for your bus, you should consider a guided tour to Mafra.

Not only are all of the logistics taken care of by a team of experienced professionals, but you’ll also enjoy the company of a guide helping you explore a city that was once home to Portugal’s royalty.

What is on a typical Mafra day trip itinerary?

A day trip to Mafra from Lisbon will usually begin with a hotel pickup, allowing for a convenient start to your day.

The route you take will depend on the type of tour you choose — with some trips heading west towards Sintra, while others journey straight to Mafra, making a couple of stops along the way.

Extra stops may vary, from visits to the scenic towns perched on Portugal’s west coast to rural villages and vineyards, where you’ll enjoy some of the delicious local delicacies.

Following this, you’ll head to Mafra where you’ll set foot in the magnificent National Palace and spend some time exploring the city.

What are the most popular day trips to Mafra from Lisbon?

Visitors who want to explore Mafra will have a couple of tours from Lisbon to choose from.

Mafra and western coast guided small-group tour from Lisbon

This guided tour is a real bargain when you consider that it’s limited to eight people, offering you a much more personal experience — as well as the fact that it explores the scenic western coats.

You’ll visit towns like Azenhas do Mar and Ericeira — a world-renowned surfing spot — before heading to Mafra for a guided tour of the Mafra National Palace and its 1,200 rooms. After this, you’ll enjoy some free time in Mafra before heading back.

Private tour to Mafra and Óbidos from Lisbon

A private tour allows you to explore Mafra and its surroundings in much more detail, as you’ll be the only people on the excursion. This will also enable you to determine a large part of your trip’s itinerary — with the help of your knowledgeable guide, of course.

Another perk of this tour is a visit to Óbidos —  an ancient village that dates from the 4th century B.C. — before heading to Mafra for a tour of the city and the intricately decorated palace.

Mafra private wine tasting tour from Lisbon

While the Mafra National Palace might be the city’s main attraction, it’s by no means the only thing that the region has to offer — as any visitor on a private wine-tasting tour will soon discover.

In fact, this region has been producing sought-after tipples well before King John V decided to build his baroque behemoth. This private tour aims to explore this rich heritage, visiting a couple of vineyards and a monastery that is famous for its wines.

How much does a day trip to Mafra from Lisbon cost?

Day trips from Lisbon to Mafra are fairly similarly priced, usually ranging from €70 to €100 per person.

A guided small-group tour from Lisbon to Mafra and the west coast will cost €70 per person, and the tour group will be limited to a maximum of eight persons — making it perfect for a group of friends or a family.

A private tour to Mafra and Óbidos from Lisbon will approximately €100 per person — but for this price, you’ll be the only people on the trip. You’ll also enjoy input when determining the itinerary, making for a much more personalized trip.

A Mafra private wine-tasting tour from Lisbon costs €300 per group of up to 6 people — making it quite affordable for larger groups.

What are the highlights in Mafra?

Mafra

Mafra is best known for its beautiful baroque-styled National Palace, built in 1717 by King John V. The palace features over 1,000 opulently decorated rooms and halls, as well as one of Portugal’s oldest libraries — housing over 36,000 titles.

Óbidos

This rustic village dates all the way back to the 4th century B.C. when it was home to ancient Celtic people. Óbidos punches way above its weight for such a small village and is home to several fascinating landmarks — helping to convey this region’s rich history.

Ericeira

Ericeira is considered a focal point of Portugal’s surfing community as well as several other watersports, like jet-skiing and windsurfing. If the surf is too intimidating for your liking, you can laze on the beach and soak up the sun — or enjoy some of the best seafood that Portugal has to offer.

When is the best time to plan a visit to Mafra?

The best time to visit Mafra is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to early November). During these periods, temperatures are mild and pleasant, making it great for outdoor exploration.

The peak tourist season in Portugal is during the summer months (July and August). While Mafra isn't as busy as some other Portuguese destinations, visiting outside the peak season will likely mean fewer tourists and shorter waiting times, especially at the Mafra National Palace.

What other day trips can you do from Lisbon?

• Cascais day tours from Lisbon
• Fatima day tours from Lisbon
• Nazare day tours from Lisbon
• Arrabida National Park day tours from Lisbon
• Porto day tours from Lisbon

Travel tips

• Especially during peak tourist seasons, it's a good idea to book tours in advance.
• Enjoy traditional Portuguese cuisine in local tascas (small eateries) and restaurants. Mafra bread (Pão de Mafra) is a must-try!
• Whether you're exploring the palace or wandering around the town, comfortable shoes are essential.